Texas Fact Book Shows Poor Education Rankings for the State

The Legislative Budget Board just released their annual Texas Fact Book, which shows how Texas ranks compared to other states, and our education rankings are nothing to be proud of.

Texas has more public elementary and secondary schools than any other state and is responsible for educating more than 5 million children, second only to California. Though Texas has seen increases in the graduation rate, the state still ranks 31st in drop-out rates. The long-term impact of our high drop-out rate is reflected in the fact that Texas ranks dead last in the percentage of the population that graduated from high school.

Texas is also nearly at the bottom – 48th – in expenditures per pupil. This low-level of investment translates to some of the lowest teacher salaries in the country, an area where Texas ranks 37th.

The Texas school finance system is being challenged in court, once again, because our schools are not being provided the resources they need to deliver a quality education. Investments in education today will ensure a strong and prosperous Texas for tomorrow.

At the Center for Public Policy Priorities, we believe in a Texas that offers everyone the chance to compete and succeed in life. We envision a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated, and financially secure. We want the best Texas - a proud state that sets the bar nationally by expanding opportunity for all.
CPPP is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds
to reach their full potential. We dare Texas to be the best state for
hard-working people and their families.